UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio - Extreme cold is expected to affect Wyandot County residents starting late Sunday night through Thursday morning.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate that an extended period of cold temperatures with dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero are possible. The coldest period is most likely to occur from Monday to early Wednesday with the coldest wind chills during the morning hours on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wind chills as low as 25 degrees below zero have the potential to cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes and frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could also cause ruptured water pipes.
Wyandot County residents should reduce time spent outside and take care to dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if they must go out, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours. Keep pets indoors as much as possible and ensure that outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, plenty of food, and access to unfrozen water. To prevent ruptured water pipes, wrap or drain water pipes, or allow water to drip slowly.
Individuals who find themselves without heat, electricity, or a warm place to stay may utilize the following resources:
- Trinity Evangelical Church at 108 Malabar Dr, Upper Sandusky, is open as a warming station from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday with some afterhours events that may extend open hours for the public.
- Visit local libraries from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Libraries are closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Wyandot County Public Health, 127-A South Sandusky Ave., Upper Sandusky, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday next week. The health department is closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- The Upper Sandusky City Building, 119 N. 7th St, Upper Sandusky, is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The city building is closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
- Wyandot Memorial Hospital is open daily as a warming center and offers an after-hours option at the Emergency Department, which is open 24 hours a day at 885 N. Sandusky Ave., Upper Sandusky.
- Those in need of additional assistance finding a place to stay warm may also call the Wyandot County Emergency Management Agency any time at 419-310-0372.
